When Jahde and his nephew Lee traveled via raft down the Jordan Creek on Feb. 2, the senior groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter.

With the 6-8 inches of snow that fell in the Lehigh Valley from the afternoon of March 3 into the next morning, Jahde may just have been right with his prognostication.

Jahde, the Grundsau 16 groundhog mascot, however, did not give away any addition weather secrets at the annual gathering to honor his celebrity.

Just two evenings before the snow fell, members of Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 Am Yahden (Groundhog Lodge No. 16 on the Jordan) had their annual Versammling (gathering) at Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville.

The evening, in honor of Jahde, included a dinner of Pennsylvania Dutch favorites: sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, pork, sausage, hot bacon dressing, horseradish, rolls and dessert.

The celebration opened with an entrance by Jahde, accompanied by Raatsmann (board member) Stan DeLong.

Lodge members then recited the groundhog pledge and sang “My Country ’Tis of Thee.”

Raatsmann Bob Everett introduced the Raat (board of directors) and the Rev. Dr. David Smith of Jordan United Church of Christ, gave the invocation.

Haaptmann (president) Dave Adam was host of the event.

Donald Peters, Haaptman, Grundsau 15, Kutztown, was the Schwertzer (speaker) for this year’s event.

In addition to Jahde, the evening celebrated all things Pennsylvania Dutch, good friendship and hope for a prosperous year.